President Bola Tinubu on Monday met billionaire businessman Femi Otedola during a private dinner in Paris, France, as discussions around Nigeria’s economic direction continued to attract attention.
Otedola disclosed the meeting on Tuesday through a post on his X handle, sharing a photograph of himself with the President.
The businessman expressed support for Tinubu’s economic policies, describing the administration’s reforms as measures that had placed the economy on what he called a path of sustainable growth.
“At a private dinner in Paris yesterday evening with His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold and forward-thinking reforms have put our economy firmly on a path of sustainable growth,” Otedola wrote.
He highlighted developments including the inclusion of Nigerian companies in the FTSE Russell Frontier 50 Index, activities on the Nigerian Exchange, increased foreign direct investment and improved investor confidence.
Otedola also pointed to what he described as a more stable foreign exchange market and stronger foreign reserves, which he said stood at about $55bn.
“I remain proud of you, Mr President,” he added.
The meeting took place as Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria continued to generate public discussion.
The President departed Nigeria on August 30 for London for what the Presidency described as a three-week working vacation before travelling to Paris, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu’s return schedule was adjusted, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirming that the President would return on Tuesday, September 29, ahead of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.
Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York also attracted reactions from opposition groups and other critics.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the global gathering, where he delivered the country’s national statement and presented the administration’s positions on issues including global governance reform, development financing and economic cooperation.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu’s absence did not affect Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement or governance, stating that the President continued to oversee government affairs while abroad.
Otedola’s meeting with the President adds to a series of engagements involving business leaders and international partners as the administration continues to promote its economic reforms and investment drive.
